September again

Well since it has been over a year ... here is a short one to start back up. Boys just celebrated their birthdays this past Saturday. We had about 20 kids and 10-15 parents at the party. 2 hours of fun. More information to come later. Maybe some pictures too.

What is important?

We received word today around 2 p.m. that Becky's mother was being rushed to the hospital once again. She was in the hospital for 11 days in July 2008. Many Christians prayed for her health. The doctor performed emergency surgery to stop the hemorrhaging. She is recovering from surgery and should be in Bainbridge in a few days to heal and rest for two weeks. Thanks be to God for his healing hand.

warm runnings

After months of inactivity, I ran (jogged, shuffled, waddled) 1.5 miles tonight without stopping. Granted 18 minutes is not a good time for people that are in decent shape, but it marks yet another start for me to get back into good shape.

We had a great time at the beach with the family this weekend. I cannot wait to go back again. Hopefully, we will go back in better shape and be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery even more next time...

change

Change is good. The boys are growing up before our very eyes. D slept on the top bunk for the first time (that we know of) last night. The bunkbed had been in there room for years. We used the top bunk for storage. Now D has his very own place to sleep without B "disturbing" him too much.

Becky is teaching more classes in the fall, D will be starting K-5, and B will be starting K-4. These changes should cause us to get into a better routine. The kids and B have enjoyed the summer including sleeping in, staying up late, swimming and grilling out with friends, and going to the beach.

Wednesday's Wrap Up

This has been a crazy week. We have been thrifty in the fact that we have eaten at home most of the week. (I know the week is only half over.) This is a real accomplishment for our family. We stay busy and normally do not make the time to cook at home. It has been a blessing that we can save more money towards trips, projects, and emergency savings during this economic downturn.

I would like to recommend the following website to help prepare for rainy days: daveramsey.com

We are planning our summer events and the summer is flying by.

School starts for Becky and Drew in early August...

outdoor fun

Today has been fun. Slept in, went to our favorite coffee shop, Bean Around The World, went to a garage sale, went to lunch with some friends, short rest, my wife played tennis for 1/2 hour, went to Kirkster's house (grillin' and swimmin'). The kids are getting tired - they should sleep well tonite.

We are looking forward to church in the morning at Grace Church. Please visit us sometime.

Thursday's musings

Our family has been working hard to eliminate consumer debt (credit cards, student loans, car loans, personal loans, etc) . I recently stopped working my 2nd job. This job took up valuable time from my family. It is so wonderful to come home from work and not have to immediately change clothes and head to my 2nd job. I actually have learned more about my wife and kids in the last three months than I had learned in the previous two and a half years.

I am in a life-long process of attaining and maintaining (one day) a healthy weight. This has been a struggle of mine for at least 10 years, but probably closer to 20 years. I am participating in a local weight loss competition. This seems to be a good incentive for me to eat healthier and exercise more frequently.

I have been riding several weeks in a van pool to my job in Tallahassee. I enjoy the commute more than ever.

There are several benefits to car pooling:

• I am more relaxed in the evenings and weekends.
• Fuel savings - at least 50%
• Less wear & tear on our vehicles
  
• Social interaction